Social, humanitarian and cultural committee

The Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee is the third General Assembly of the United Nations, tasked with a broad mandate surrounding social, humanitarian, and human rights issues from around the world. To delineate a general idea of the committee, some issues discussed within SOCHUM include, but are not limited to: human rights, global literacy, women’s rights, children’s rights, the treatment of refugees and displaced persons, international drug control, crime prevention, and the elimination of racism and discrimination. SOCHUM also works closely with many other UN bodies in order to effectually address its mandated issues.

This committee is designed for both beginners and experienced delegates alike. Position papers, although strongly recommended, are not required. However, delegates who wish to be considered for an award must submit their position papers by Sunday, January 13, 2019, at 23:59 PST. More information about position papers can be found on page 3 of the Background Guide.

An essential question at the heart of a society is that of justice. What is a crime? What gives the state the right to punish individuals for their actions? Quis custodietipsoscustodes? What is just in a democratic and multicultural society like Canada? These questions have no clear and final answers – like most things in a nation, they are a continual work in progress. Throughout the country, malaise over the apparently forgotten plight of impoverished minorities, demand for drug liberalisation, and sentencing reform have risen to a fever pitch; Parliament must rise to the occasion and make bold and multi-faceted reforms to ensure the future of a just and equitable Canada.

The suppression of minority groups can be traced throughout history in the international community. The presence of re-education camps in China addresses the causes and consequences of such a detrimental issue, exploring the effects of mass technological surveillance, cultural and religious hierarchies, and covert government initiatives. Moreover, this topic raises controversy surrounding political autonomy and freedom of expression, as the camps themselves represent how deep-rooted historical conflicts impact present-day relations. Delegates’ decisions will directly impact not only the future of these camps, but also the dynamic of global-Chinese relations.

The topic of performance-enhancing drugs is inherently complex, encompassing both health and social issues. It reflects the pressure many athletes feel in the sports industry and a general desire to achieve glory, no matter the cost. Furthermore, the conversation surrounding the procurement of such substances inevitably connotes unethical and illegal activity, whether through state-sponsored doping programs or black markets. It is crucial that delegates actively engage in a collaborative manner to trace the widespread influence of these stimulants and counter their harmful effects in the sporting realm.

Linda Dai is a Grade 12 student at Crofton House School. This will be her final year of both high school and Model UN, and she is honoured to be serving as the director of SOCHUM at VMUN 2019 alongside her amazing dais team. During her spare time, Linda can be found sporadically spending all of her money on food, driving around the city with her friends, and starting new Netflix series at unconventional hours. As this will be one of her last MUN conferences, Linda ecstatically looks forward to meeting all of the committee’s delegates and listening to the innovative ideas they come up with!

Alex Han | Chair

Alex is a senior attending Port Moody Secondary School in the International Baccalaureate Programme. After being introduced to Model United Nations in his early grade 9 year, Alex was instantly captivated by its rigourous research and passionate debate. Alex is very excited to serve as the Chair for SOCHUM. Outside his involvement in Model United Nations, Alex can be found indulging in the realm (or perhaps the abyss) of mathematics, suffering from existential angst arising from philosophy, hiking for scenery, searching for more ways to automate his life through programming, or digging for the ball in the volleyball court. Alex is excited to witness the intense debate and creative ideas brought forth by each delegate!

Saira Suleman | Assistant Director

Saira Suleman is a grade 12 student at Crofton House School and has been a part of Model UN for 5 years. Saira is honoured to be serving as the Assistant Director of SOCHUM at VMUN 2019. After attending her first conference in grade 8, she fell in love with the stimulating debate and discussing global affairs. Model UN has inspired her to be more active and outspoken about her opinions and has given her many opportunities to develop her public speaking, leadership and collaboration skills. Outside of MUN, Saira can be found procrastinating by watching Netflix, or spending time with friends. She looks forward to making VMUN a memorable experience filled with insightful debate and cannot wait to meet all the delegates!

William Tiwana | Assistant Director

William Tiwana is a Grade 12 student attending St. George’s School, and is honoured to serve as Assistant Director of the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee at VMUN 2019. Since joining Model UN in grade 6, he has developed a passion for world issues and has created fond memories – both as a staff member and as a delegate. The fierce debate and resigned diplomacy that occurs within committee sessions always keeps Will coming back for more. In his free time, he enjoys finding new ways to procrastinate on the internet and binge-watching YouTube videos. Will is eager to meet each and every delegate and is looking forward to the exhilarating experience to come.

You can contact the Director at sochum@vmun.com with any questions regarding the committee or its debate procedures. Position papers must also be submitted to this address.